On the shimmering waters of Loktak Lake, nestled among the phumdis (floating biomass), lies Manipur’s only floating elementary school. Established in 2017 to educate children of the fishing community, this innovative school has become a symbol of hope. However, it now teeters on the edge of closure due to lack of funding, poor infrastructure, and limited government support.
A School Born on Water and Hope
An Innovative Solution to a Unique Challenge
The floating school on Loktak Lake was set up by the Loktak Lake Fishermen’s Welfare Association (LLFWA) in partnership with local educators and volunteers. It serves over 30 children from marginalized fishing families who live in remote and floating hamlets inaccessible by road.
For these children, who would otherwise face a daily commute by boat to distant schools or drop out entirely, the floating classroom offered both education and inclusion.
“This school brought classrooms to where the children are. We couldn’t let geography decide their future,” said Homen Thokchom, one of the founding volunteers.
Eight Years Later: Cracks Are Showing
Structural Wear, Limited Supplies, and Staff Shortages
Despite its noble mission, the floating school is now struggling. The bamboo structure, built atop phumdis and plastic barrels, has become unstable due to continuous exposure to the elements. Monsoon floods and wind damage further threaten its survival each year.
Moreover, the school runs without electricity, internet, or basic sanitation. Teachers, many of whom work on a volunteer basis, lack salaries and teaching materials. The children often share books and sit on damp floors.
“We are barely surviving. We need urgent help before this classroom disappears,” said Meena Devi, a local teacher who has served the school since its inception.
Why This School Matters
Supporting a Vulnerable Fishing Community
Loktak Lake is not just Manipur’s largest freshwater lake—it’s a lifeline for over 100,000 people, most of whom rely on fishing. However, climate change, hydroelectric projects, and government restrictions on traditional fishing have disrupted these livelihoods.
In such a setting, education offers the only escape route for the next generation. The floating school doesn’t just provide lessons—it keeps children from becoming child laborers or dropouts.
Without Government Support, It May Sink
Organizers Appeal for Intervention
The LLFWA has submitted multiple appeals to the Manipur Department of Education and the Loktak Development Authority (LDA), urging them to provide:
- Structural renovation funds
- Solar panels for electricity
- Teacher honorariums and training
- Learning materials and school supplies
- Monthly nutritional support for students
So far, no formal action has been taken.
“If we lose this school, we lose an entire generation to the water,” said LLFWA secretary Premkumar Salam.
See also: Manipur Education Department – Official Site
National and Global Relevance
A Model of Climate-Resilient Education
The floating school on Loktak Lake is one of few of its kind in India and echoes similar efforts in Bangladesh and Cambodia, where floating schools have been used to reach flood-prone and underserved areas.
Education activists believe the school could become a model for adaptive learning solutions in climate-vulnerable regions, if given proper backing.
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